What Duncan Campbell didn’t say about Chrissie Swan

And what Craig Bruce did.

The big news out this week was official confirmation that Mix will become KIIS in Melbourne next year and that Hughesy and Kate will do a networked Drive show to cover Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.

The rumour, yet to be confirmed, is that long serving SCA veteran, Matt Tilley will join Jane Hall on KIIS Breakfast.

But what of Chrissie Swan?

Chatting to ARN’s programming chief Duncan Campbell this morning, I tried to catch him off guard by asking, “Who did you say was doing Breakfast on KIIS in Melbourne next year?”

“I didn’t say,” came the swift reply. “You know me better than that.” 

I do, but It was worth a try. What I also know about Duncan Campbell is that he’s not about to let good talent walk out the door if he can help it. And Chrissie Swan is up there with the best – especially when it comes to the all-important Q score that measures a personalities affinity with an audience.

So I pressed Campbell by putting it to him point blank – “What’s happening with Chrissie… are you just letting her go?”

He said, “We are going to make some official comments on that very soon. So until we make those, I can’t comment on that I’m afraid.” That’s not the same language they used with Tim Ross.

So I ventured, “She’d sound great on GOLD.”

Guess what he said… Nothing. My question was answered with stone wall silence.  The idea wasn’t dismissed out of hand. But it wasn’t confirmed either. Which in radio parlance means it’s a definite maybe.

Over at SCA where they also know the value of quality talent, Craig Bruce hinted that they’d been talking to Swan. “We might talk to Chrissie about helping out Jules Lund for next year,” said CB referring to a new show hosted by Lund between 6pm and 7pm weeknights. “But she wont be doing breakfast,” he added.  “I don’t think she wants to do breakfast.”

The battle for Drive is being ramped up next year in a three way stoush between Hamish & Andy on the Today Network, Hughesy and Kate on KIIS/ARN, and NOVA’s current top national performers Kate, Tim and Marty. It’s not inconceivable that the Pure Gold network might want to beef up its Drive offering too with a nationally recognised personality. Chrissie Swan might just fit the bill.

 

Peter Saxon

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